TIN2 Functions with TPP1/POT1 To Stimulate Telomerase Processivity

Mol Cell Biol. 2019 Oct 11;39(21):e00593-18. doi: 10.1128/MCB.00593-18. Print 2019 Nov 1.

Abstract

TIN2 is an important regulator of telomere length, and mutations in TINF2, the gene encoding TIN2, cause short-telomere syndromes. While the genetics underscore the importance of TIN2, the mechanism through which TIN2 regulates telomere length remains unclear. Here, we tested the effects of human TIN2 on telomerase activity. We identified a new isoform in human cells, TIN2M, that is expressed at levels similar to those of previously studied TIN2 isoforms. All three TIN2 isoforms localized to and maintained telomere integrity in vivo, and localization was not disrupted by telomere syndrome mutations. Using direct telomerase activity assays, we discovered that TIN2 stimulated telomerase processivity in vitro All of the TIN2 isoforms stimulated telomerase to similar extents. Mutations in the TPP1 TEL patch abrogated this stimulation, suggesting that TIN2 functions with TPP1/POT1 to stimulate telomerase processivity. We conclude from our data and previously published work that TIN2/TPP1/POT1 is a functional shelterin subcomplex.

Keywords: POT1; TIN2; TPP1; alternative splicing; processivity; shelterin; telomerase; telomere.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aminopeptidases / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidases and Tripeptidyl-Peptidases / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Serine Proteases / metabolism*
  • Shelterin Complex
  • Telomerase / metabolism*
  • Telomere / metabolism*
  • Telomere-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • ACD protein, human
  • POT1 protein, human
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Shelterin Complex
  • TINF2 protein, human
  • Telomere-Binding Proteins
  • Telomerase
  • Serine Proteases
  • Aminopeptidases
  • Dipeptidyl-Peptidases and Tripeptidyl-Peptidases